Zakir Naik FIFA World Cup: Qatar invites controversial orator Zakir Naik to preach Islam, triggers row
Controversial Islamist preacher Zakir Naik, who faces a number of cases in India, has been invited by Qatar to preach Islam in the FIFA World Cup 2022 which began on Sunday, media reports said.
Naik is wanted in India for inciting communal violence through his hate speeches.
A criminal case was filed against him by the National Investigation Agency following an order by the Union Home Ministry which also banned his Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).
Naik came under the scanner of security agencies after it was found that two ISIS terrorists involved in the 2016 Dhaka cafe terror attack were his followers and inspired by his sermons.
Though he is a permanent resident of Malaysia, he was barred from giving speeches in 2020 over "national security".
The FIFA World Cup was roiled with controversy after a diktat over clothes inside the football stadium was issued.
In a bizarre rule, the organisers have asked fans to "respect local traditions and customs", including policies for alcohol, drugs, sexuality and dress code.
Women have been asked to wear skirts and dresses covering their knees.
Men will face fines and imprisonment if they remove their tops completely.
Sleeveless tank tops and tops with offensive slogans are not permitted.
The organisers have also controversially decided not to sell beers inside the stadiums. Fans are not allowed to drink alcohol inside the stadium.
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